Massillon officer fighting cancer gets help from community

Saturday

Derick Spangler found out he has cancer earlier this year. A fundraiser to help him financially is today and folks can also donate online.

MASSILLON It was a cold night in January when Derick Spangler asked his girlfriend, Ashley, to be his bride.

The question was popped in the same spot where he told her he loved her for the first time. It was a great start to the year for the Massillon police officer, knowing he had found his lifelong partner.

By May, his life took an unexpected turn.

The 25-year-old discovered a lump. A visit to a doctor confirmed it was cancer. Treatment began.

Spangler recently underwent a second round of chemotherapy.

The Massillon Police Department is hosting a silent auction fundraiser today to benefit the Officer In Distress Fund, which will in turn help Spangler. Sgt. Jes Harting spearheaded the event to help offset medical costs as Spangler fights the disease.

"I wanted to do something to help him out," Harting said. "He's got enough to worry about with trying to get through chemo and get better. I didn't want him to worry financially."

Tickets for the event are sold out. However, Harting also set up a GoFundMe page to help raise awareness and collect more donations. Anyone unable to attend the event can still show support through the online fundraiser.

'Curve ball'

Though Spangler wasn't feeling ill when he discovered the lump, he figured it was best to have it checked out.

The growth was removed through surgery, and for at least three months, Spangler thought he was in the clear.

"It was very scary, but it happened so fast that I didn't really have time to think about it," Spangler said. "I didn't have to hear the news alone. It meant the world to me to have (Ashley) with me, she's been great the whole time."

The cancer was deep-seated and went undetected in follow-up scans until September. That same month, Spangler took medical leave from his duties with the Police Department and underwent nine weeks of chemotherapy — those weeks marked the longest of his life, he said.

"There was a point when I thought I would never get to where I am today," Spangler said.

Spangler finished three cycles of chemotherapy two weeks ago.

One week ago, he and Ashley tied the knot before their closest friends and family. The ceremony was intimate at a log cabin in the woods, Spangler said.

"We're both very excited we were able to continue our plans even though life through a curve ball at us," he said.

'Happy-go-lucky guy'

After hearing of her coworker's diagnosis, Harting decided to help by hosting a fundraiser with the help of other officers and the support of businesses.

"He's one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet," Harting said. "He's a very happy-go-lucky guy, and he loves his job. He's a great officer."

A head count of those attending was needed to prepare food for the auction in advance, Harting said. An estimated 270 people are expected to be there.

Donations came pouring in after Harting began contacting businesses, she said. Some items include Browns gear, a football helmet signed by the 2018 Massillon Tigers and a hunting trip to Uruguay.

"It's been overwhelming how many people have come together to offer to help, offer to donate," Harting said. "It's been awesome the support that we've gotten. We've got some really amazing items. There's a lot to choose from so I think it'll be a good night."

Love for the job

Spangler knew he wanted to be a police officer when he was 18 and graduating from Portage County's Waterloo High School. He wanted to work in a field where he could help others and better the community.

After graduating from the Police Academy at Kent State University, he joined the city's force in 2015.

"The Massillon Police Department was the first to give me a chance," Spangler said. "I was very young when I was looking (for my first job). The community has had my back and our back since I've been here, and that's something I really, really love about the city."

Since taking medical leave, Spangler said he misses working at the department and hopes to return soon. He has a follow-up appointment Dec. 17 to determine if the chemotherapy was successful. If approved by his doctor, Spangler can return to light duty.

Spangler plans to make an appearance at the fundraiser to thank his friends and coworkers.

"I love what I do," Spangler said. "Every day is something new and exciting. This process has been a mental fight more than anything. I'm looking forward to going to thank people for everything they've done to help me through this."